What to Look for When Purchasing Outdoor Patio Furniture

What to Look for When Purchasing Outdoor Patio Furniture

What to Look for When Purchasing Outdoor Patio Furniture

Most of us like to be outside when weather permits. Good outdoor patio furniture will allow you to effectively add another “room” to your house. There are so many options out there, and taking all the elements into account will help you to make the right choices.

When shopping for outdoor patio furniture, there are many factors that you should take into consideration. 1) Determine what function your furniture will serve, 2) work within your budget, and 3) purchase the best quality you can afford. Just like indoor furniture, you want to buy the right piece for the room’s function. If you plan to eat meals outside, look for a dining table and chairs. But if you’re looking to primarily relax around the fire, you’ll make different seating choices. When you are deciding if you should purchase a piece, inspect the quality of construction—are the welds done correctly? Is the wicker woven neatly and evenly? Is the paint on evenly? Is it sturdy? Remember, these pieces will have to stand up to sun, rain, wind and more.

Quality and durability go hand-in-hand. Resin wicker over an aluminum frame is a very popular, long-lived choice. Powder-coated aluminum can last for a long time and is easy to move around because it’s lightweight (if you live in a windy or hurricane-prone area, please consider that). Steel and wrought iron have heft to them, and they are sturdy, but must be painted periodically or they will rust. Wicker can last for quite a long time, especially when treated. Teak and cedar are popular, durable wood choices but require some maintenance. Plastic/PVC is affordable, no doubt. But its lifespan is very short. Replacing every few years due to fading, cracking or breaking may end up costing you more money in the long run than it would have cost to buy quality furniture to begin with (not to mention the hassle!). Plastic furniture just does not have the presence that more substantial, higher quality furniture does. Whatever look you go for, please remember to sit in it before you purchase it: if it’s not comfortable, you won’t want to use it, and neither will your guests.

In order to get the best bang for your buck, do your research. Typically, items will go on sale in the pre-season when they first come out, then after 4th of July, and again in late Fall/early Winter as a clearance item. The downside of waiting for clearance sales is that selection can be very limited. Stores often don’t restock. Pre-season sales usually have smaller discounts, but you do get to enjoy your furniture for the entire patio season.

Maintenance is a big consideration as well. All patio furniture will require some maintenance; it’s just a question of what kind and how often. Wicker, aluminum and plastic typically need soap and water cleanup, and the occasional touch-up paint. Wood and steel/wrought iron will need weatherproofing—sealant, paint, stain, etc. All furniture benefits from winters indoors to protect from the freezing cold and snow. If that is not an option you can always purchase covers.

Cushions or no? Ahhh . . . that is a debate. The metal frame sling or woven chairs are fairly comfortable without cushions and are a great option for dining, or even lounging with a footstool. However, wicker furniture just seems wrong without cushions, as do sofas and loveseats. You wouldn’t sit on your living room sofa without cushions, so it seems natural to do the same outside! However, outside cushions do typically require more maintenance. If your area is uncovered, you will either need to take the cushions in when it rains or risk a wet bottom when you sit! Some cushions dry out quickly; others take a long time. And those thin, flimsy cushions? No. Just, no. Trust us. Make sure you choose a fabric that is made to be outdoors. Again, just trust us on that.

Outdoor space adds a whole other room to your house for entertaining and relaxing. Remember to decorate the area, and choose outdoor patio furniture that is well-built, comfortable and functional. If you make good choices and care for it properly, you can enjoy your patio furniture for many, many years!

At Southern Exposure Landscape Management, we can maintain your yard, but as an authorized seller for South Sea Rattan, we can also help you choose quality outdoor patio furniture to help you relax and enjoy your beautiful yard! We carry great brands like St. Tropez, Java, Key West, Del Ray, and more! Stop by today or check out our website (https://wemakedirtlookgood.com/product-category/patio-furniture/) to see what we have to offer and to find the latest specials!

Located in Summerfield, NC Southern Exposure Landscape Management specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of residential and commercial projects throughout the Greensboro Triad Area (High Point, Jamestown, Burlington, Reidsville, Oak Ridge, Brown Summit, Summerfield). We are the premier Greensboro patio contractor. With over 20 years in business, Southern Exposure has the experience and knowledge to create beautiful garden features and flower beds in the landscape. Southern Exposure is the leading landscape management firm in Greensboro, NC. See why our clients choose us. Contact us today by web (online form) or phone (336.451.4969)

Southern Exposure Landscape Management is a full service Design I Build I Maintain firm for both residential and commercial properties here in Greensboro, NC and the surrounding triad areas (Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Browns Summit, Jamestown, etc.).